Bollywood actor Akshaya Khanna called himself a "huge idiot'' for failing to do anything to protect the environment, saying everyone must take a stand against environmental degradation.

Khanna said he admires people who take time out of busy schedules to work for a better environment, according to Filmfare magazine's January issue.

He is concerned about deforestation and the pollution of rivers and the ocean, but acknowledged, "I've done nothing about it. I feel like a huge idiot.''

Khanna told Filmfare that environmental degradation was impossible to deal with unless "each and everyone on this planet stands up ... But we can start in our own small ways like not littering the streets for starters.''

He is known for playing strong character roles and recently won praise for two comedies, "36 China Town'' and "Shaadi Se Pehle'' or "Before Marriage.''

Khanna comes from a well-known Bollywood family. His father Vinod Khanna was a popular hero in the 1970s and '80s, and his younger brother Rahul is also an actor in India's prolific movie industry.